No TV Week Photos

Over 50 people showed up to try our Jokes, Pranks, and Magic Tricks for Tuesday's No TV Week after school program. Thanks to the hundreds of inspiring activities in the Encyclopedia of Immaturity, we had a great time setting up funny experiments for everyone to try. Above a young student is attempting pencil athletic feats with her eyes closed.
In these photos a mother and daughter have success with the fake sneeze, while the big brother gets ready to shoot a two foot string out of a squirt bottle.
Another fake sneeze in progress. Ask us how to do this fake-out that gets everyone laughing.
More fun with the squeeze bottle and string - simple, but very effective.
"How to break your neck" was a big hit, and kids loved doing it again and again. All that you need for this gag is an empty water bottle.
On Earth Day kids started a Giant's Garden by planting seeds for two-foot long beans and yard-long cucumbers. Nearly twenty people stopped in to try their hand at gardening.
Ideas for this workshop came from Roots, Shoots, Buckets and Boots by Sharon Lovejoy. Mammoth Sunflowers, purple beans that turn green when cooked, colorful Easter Egg radishes and tiny jelly bean tomatoes will also be growing in these unusual gardens this summer. If you have questions about the seeds that you planted for your Giant's Garden, let me know. I also have extra seeds, if you need replacements.

If you are looking for some easy garden ideas that are truly fun for kids, stop in and ask me (Ellen) anytime. My son and I have grown name gardens, sunflower houses, rainbow gardens, mazes, butterfly gardens and many more.

Free Fun for No TV Week

Yikes! No TV for a WEEK? Don't worry - Dragonwings, your public library, and even your teachers are making plans to help you get through this endless week. What will you do without TV? Well, you could spend your extra free time getting ahead on your homework and chores, or you could come to Dragonwings Bookstore on Tuesday and Wednesday for a little fun.

Tuesday April 21 - after school: Jokes, Pranks and Magic Tricks

Here's your chance to learn new ways to amaze and annoy your family and friends. We will crack some jokes and listen to your favorites. We will consult this famous encyclopedia for step-by-step instructions for ingenious, goofy pranks. And we will expose the trickery behind a few magic tricks. If you're interested, call 256-9186 to register.




Wednesday April 22 - after school
Magic Beans for Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day in a BIG way by growing a Giant's Garden. We have the magic beans, more mammoth seeds and all of the supplies that you need. Once the leaves have sprouted, you can transplant your baby giants into the ground, or a pot, an old boot or pail. Find out what the top twenty plants are for kids, how to hear tomatoes gurgle, and lots more. If you are interested, call 256-9186 to register.

EASTER BASKET TREATS

Kids know that every spring the Easter Bunny shops at Dragonwings. That's because we have lots of basket-size treats that are more fun than a mound of candy. Pictured below are a few of this year's treats. Mix in some of our ladybug or sunflower German chocolates and your baskets will be ready to go.

Look Who's Reading...

Staff member Joanne showed me these photos of her grandsons, which I couldn't resist sharing. Above they are reading a Horrible Harry chapter book by Suzy Kline.



Below they are reading When Dinosaurs Came With Everything by Elise Broach, which won the 2008 E.B. White Read-Aloud Award.

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman

It’s true that Alison Goodman’s new book may be labeled as “fantasy” but Eon: Dragoneye Reborn gives the reader so much more than just a fantasy story. As someone who likes historical fiction, I greatly enjoyed the historical flavor of this book. Goodman notes that Empire of this book is not based on any certain country or culture but it is hard for the reader to notice. The rituals and political tension make the country in which Eon lives seem very real. In addition to the fantasy and historical fiction feel of this book, there is also a heavy dose of adventure. Eon is the last hope for his master to have a candidate chosen to be an apprentice to one of the eleven Dragoneyes. Eon’s master is out of money and out of time and Eon’s failure would mean the lost of his home and the home of the people on whom he relies most. There are serious risks in the challenge which Eon faces and danger is made even more complete by the continually lies that must be maintained to ensure success. This book goes truly beyond its “young adult fantasy” label and provides a great story with an unlikely heroin. The only bad thing about reading this book is that now I must wait for the sequel! - Kathleen Lehman